I Would like some recommendations.

Can you guys recommend me places, if possible links to purchase your favorite drivers? possibly both fixed and adjustable currents? If you could it would be greatly appreciated.

Greetings,


If you could be a little more specific, like a driver for a high power build will be different than one for lower power. What are you looking to build ??


cheers,
Moe

Low power preferably. I'm looking to go old school and build a phr-805 @ 120-130ma. I'd prefer a fixed current, but would settle for adjustable.

see what Jordan uses & sells (DTR) he has tested them all and goes with the best- also some drivers can be had at aixiz.com(Houston)

Thanks Hak! I actually looked at a couple of the Aixiz drivers earlier, but were unsure of their popularity here. For the record, they look ok for the use I intend to use them for. I've never set a pot before, but I'm sure I can learn. I recon I need to save up for a test load. I'm assuming that there isn't any need to heatsink a driver set to such low current, but I could be wrong. Please do correct me if I'm wrong.

that depends upon the driver- some are NOT adjustable -and some you can choose the current you want BUT to do that aside from your DMM you ned a dummy load to use in place of the diode just for setting the mA. if you use a laser diode it will likley die.

AixiZ keeps it simple with a diagram showing where to solder the leads (and/or the TTL modulation)and not much more as its IMO not an easy thing that can be explained quickly- how can we know how much the new members know? = thats why we have tutorials instead of 'laser101 for dummies'
one other consideration you must deal with is the form of the driver- some are dime-sized round and work best with hosts where the space for driver make that one a better choice. also what vdc are you going with - boost driver make lower VDC higher for the needs of tjhre diode. whle buck drivers lower the vdc- linier drivers are fixed so you must buy the one right for your diode.

AixiZ does NOT provide COMPLETE step-by-step instructions- just the very basics-while too little info is not a good thing-(assuming they know the basics) and some get insulted when there is too much info offered. all things are in a search when you use the right terms.

BUT AixiZ is in Houston= and they answer their phone- please place any orders at aixiz.com NOT at Scamazon or Greedbay... those sites are NOT for Forum members.

you can call in an order with your CCard - 713 249 4929- 8 am til noonish weekdays ask for Chuck and use me as a reference= you 'might' get offered free shipping.

Nute said:

Can you guys recommend me places, if possible links to purchase your favorite drivers? possibly both fixed and adjustable currents? If you could it would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

DTR mostly sells complete modules with or without driver, he does sell drivers separately but usually only a couple of the most popular and is frequently out of stock, but is one of the best places to buy laser parts, usually ships the same day: https://sites.google.com/site/dtrlpf/ He is also one of the 3 places to buy your lenses from.

You can buy from Flaminpyro here: http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/x-drive-x-boost-88589.html large selection of drivers most of the time.

If you need 16.8mm round drivers you can buy from Survival Laser: Survival Laser USA Home international customers outside the U.S. can buy from them here: Survival Laser International Home also one of the 3 places to buy your lenses.

And as stated above by hakzaw1, AixiZ: http://www.aixiz.com again one of the places to buy your lenses.

I have purchased from all 4 they are all reliable, you will get what you were expecting without problems.

Alan

Edit: I forgot one: http://www.illumn.com it looks like their drivers are on back order right now. They are also a good place to buy batteries.

It still awes me to think about how blessed we are to have all these reliable members & assets at hand. -- and I thank LPF for making it all come together.

Thanks guys, That is exactly what I was looking for. You guys always come through for me. Pi I +rep you, and Hak I have to spread around before I can get you again! I really do appreciate it!
Thanks,
Nute

How to Make your own laser diode driver for less than three dollars « Hacks, Mods & Circuitry

There's also another DIY one. How to make a laser diode driver that enables you to burn paper by coolkids. On instructables.com I'm posting this just cause.

If you want one for free, have your dad contact me and I will mail one to him.

For a PHR, you need something that can do
100-125mA @ 6V. That means either an
X-Boost, Ben Boost, or Micro Boost, but the
Micro Boost is becoming scarce. You can
also use a linear driver with two cells.
Wolfman29 may have something in that regard.